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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 82


Page 82 of 510

Deterioration of brain cells in Parkinson’s disease is slowed by blocking the Bach1 protein, preclinical study shows

A preclinical study found that blocking the Bach1 protein slowed brain cell deterioration in Parkinson's disease. The researchers identified a potent inhibitor of Bach1 called HPPE, which protected cells from inflammation and oxidative stress, and showed promise as a potential therapeutic target.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Seagrass restoration study shows rapid recovery of ecosystem functions

A new study published in Ecological Applications demonstrates rapid expansion of restored eelgrass plots and recovery of ecosystem functions, providing improved habitat for fish and invertebrates. The study shows that restored plots can recover near or at the level seen in natural eelgrass meadows within a few years.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcological Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Aquatic fungus has already wiped amphibians off the map and now threatens survival of terrestrial frogs

A study in the Atlantic Rainforest detected high mortality rates among tiny frogs known as pumpkin toadlets infected with the chytrid fungus. The infection causes a physiological imbalance leading to death from a heart attack. Climate change and drought may exacerbate the threat to terrestrial amphibians.

Call-and-response circuit tells neurons when to grow synapses

A team of scientists led by Associate Professor Nicola Allen found that astrocyte signaling is directly related to each stage of neuronal development. The researchers determined that astrocytes respond to neurotransmitters produced by neurons to control the timing of signal production, instructing neuronal growth and development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournaleLife·DateOct 25, 2021

Marijuana vaping among adolescents

A review and meta-analysis of 17 studies found a significant increase in cannabis vaping among adolescents in the US and Canada. The study reported nearly 200,000 participants, with a doubling of reported vaping prevalence over the eight-year period.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 2021

COVID-19: Does having received the BCG vaccine as a child provide a protective effect?

A Quebec research team conducted the first-ever study to examine the long-term protective effect of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19. Despite previous studies suggesting a correlation between childhood vaccination status and lower mortality rates, the researchers found no long-term protective effect of BCG against COVID-19.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalVaccine·TypeCase study·DateOct 25, 2021

Use of stimulants in older adults associated with higher risk for cardiovascular events in first month

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that using prescription stimulant medications increased the risk of cardiovascular events by 40% in older adults within the first 30 days. The risk was highest during initial use, but decreased over time as patients stopped taking the medication.

‘Nanozyme’ therapy prevents harmful dental plaque build-up

A study by the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University found that a nanozyme therapy, combining ferumoxytol and hydrogen peroxide, significantly reduced the buildup of harmful dental plaque and targeted bacteria responsible for tooth decay. The treatment effectively killed Streptococcus mutans bacteria while leaving other ora...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

Tiny microscopic hunters could be a crystal ball for climate change

Researchers at Duke University used mini ecosystems to test the effects of warming on bacteria-eating protists. They found that simple measurements of species traits could predict their response to temperature, shedding light on how climate change will alter microbial communities and influence the pace of global warming.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Interactive floor system makes tracks in encouraging children’s play

Researchers developed an interactive system using floor projections that respond to the player's movements to encourage children's imagination and engagement. The system was evaluated in a study, revealing that unrealistic interactions stimulate children's imaginations more than realistic interactions.

SourceKobe University·JournalInternational Journal of Child-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Metabolic memory plays a key role in breast cancer relapse

A study published in Molecular Systems Biology reveals that tumour cells resistant to treatment exhibit 'metabolic and epigenetic memory' of the tumour state. This finding highlights the importance of glycolysis in sustaining cellular metabolism and provides a potential therapeutic target for preventing breast cancer recurrence.

SourceEMBO·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

March Madness: Researcher sees temporary increase in COVID-19 cases in counties where universities played in NCAA Tournament

A new analysis by a researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found a link between large gatherings of unvaccinated county residents and an increase in COVID-19 infections in university communities. The study suggests that vaccinations, surveillance testing, or mitigation measures are essential to reduce the spread of COVID-19...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

Social determinants of health provide better understanding of brain vulnerability to delirium

A Hebrew SeniorLife study provides a novel framework for understanding the social determinants of health that influence the development of delirium in older adults. The framework identifies environmental, historical, and social variables that may protect against or precipitate delirium.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 25, 2021

Structured management protocols help firms thrive

Using data from over 353 million unique observations, researchers found that companies with structured management practices attracted top-flight managers and were able to keep talented workers. This suggests that better-managed firms are growing in terms of employment, and that these firms can influence the entire labor market.

SourceCornell University·JournalManagement Science·DateOct 25, 2021

University of Surrey research discover links to Bernard Williams’ 40-year-old “slosh” hypothesis

A computer model developed by the University of Surrey researchers supports Bernard Williams' 40-year-old hypothesis that pressure changes cause fluid in the cavity to 'slosh', generating stress in the spinal cord tissue. The study shows that this process can lead to small cavities gradually expanding down the spinal cord.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 25, 2021

University of Surrey maps path to carbon neutrality

The University of Surrey has published a paper outlining its plan to reduce absolute carbon emissions by 46% over the next decade and achieve Net-Zero. The paper provides guidance on how other universities can apply the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and offers ideas for financing emission reduction pathways.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSustainability·TypeCase study·DateOct 25, 2021

Antibiotics for appendicitis: CODA study findings finalized

The Comparing Outcomes of antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) trial found that nearly 7 in 10 patients with antibiotics avoided an appendectomy within three months. By four years, just under 50% had the surgery, suggesting both treatments are safe and valuable to patients differently based on unique symptoms and circumstances.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

With proposed reauthorization of federal child abuse legislation, researchers make the case to better help substance-exposed infants

The proposed reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) has the potential to positively impact parents with substance use disorder and infants with substance exposure. The legislation needs improved implementation to achieve a public health approach, providing tailored guidance and support for states.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 25, 2021

Emotional bullying, and sexual harassment and physical assault of women is widespread in the military

A study of 750 UK women veterans found that a high proportion had experienced military adversity, including sexual harassment (22.5%), emotional bullying (22.7%), and physical assault (3.3%). These experiences were linked to various mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Military Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2021

Role of TGF-β/SOX9 axis in carcinogenesis using 3-dimensional in vitro and in vivo models

A study investigates the role of the TGF-β/SOX9 axis in promoting cancer migration and invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma. The research found that CAF-induced TGF-β1 upregulates SOX9 expression, leading to increased cancer invasiveness and poor prognosis. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic target for developing novel tr...

SourceNiigata University·JournalTranslational Oncology·DateOct 24, 2021

A new approach to treating leukemia

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a novel treatment method that destroys cancer cells by targeting the cytoskeletal protein WASp, which is unique in active hematologic cancer cells. The approach uses small molecule compounds identified through AI and machine learning to inhibit proliferation and destroy malignant cells.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2021